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In a new report, experts said there are “significant benefits” of the schemes and said their findings would be used for discussions with councils about whether more areas should add fluoride to their water.

The research compared rates of the effect on fluoridated Newcastle and non-fluoridated Manchester.

During the early 20th century lower levels of tooth decay were noted in places which had certain fluoride levels in drinking water.

Over the last 50 years, schemes have been put in place in various places across England to adjust the levels of the mineral in water supplies to mimic the effect.

In England, 14 out of 152 local authorities have water fluoridation schemes in place - covering six million people.

The study found that children living in fluoridated areas were far less likely to suffer tooth decay.

As many as 45 per cent fewer children aged one to four were admitted to hospital for tooth decay, the research found.

Rates of kidney stones and bladder cancer were lower in fluoridated areas than non-fluoridated areas, however report authors said the slightly lower rates were not necessarily linked to the fluoride.

The report also found no evidence of harm to health from fluoridation, with no differences in rates of rates of hip fracture, osteosarcoma (a form of bone cancer), cancers overall, Down’s syndrome births or in all recorded causes of death.

Professor John Newton, chief knowledge officer at PHE, said: “There is a good deal of speculation about water fluoridation schemes. This report provides new data which is direct evidence of the safety and efficacy of water fluoridation in England.

“There is no evidence of any effect on general health in fluoridated areas compared to non-fluoridated areas. There are important benefits in terms of dental health - it does look as if there are really significant benefits in those areas that have water fluoridation schemes.

“We will use this report as a basis for discussions with local authorities on the scope and content of further reports and on the role of fluoridation as a public health measure.”

Sue Gregory, the body’s director of dental public health said: “These findings highlight the important contribution that water fluoridation makes to children’s dental health and general well-being.

“It is notable that the benefits of this public health measure appear to be greatest for children living in the most deprived areas of the country.

“This is significant for reducing the large differences we see in dental health between deprived and more affluent areas of the country.”